Fork Refurbishment

[findyourexit]

G'day folks, I just wanted to see if I could get some advice with my forks.

I am looking to clear this paint from the top of the existing fork tubes (pictured) - I went at it with old fashioned sandpaper initially, but it seemed pretty persistent. Is there any way that I will be able to get the tops of these tubes cleaned up to match the polish of the middle section of the tubes?

I hope that made sense - any advice/wisdom would be greatly appreciated!

 

[spazzle102]

Steel wool might work a little better. Just start out coarse and gradually move to the finest stuff

 

[findyourexit]

Steel wool might work a little better. Just start out coarse and gradually move to the finest stuff

Cheers for the suggestion! I was/am contemplating this method, but will the result give me a finish that matches the clear/shiny middle part of the fork tubes?

 

[kicker]

You could brush some paint stripper on there to help get it off.

 

[findyourexit]

You could brush some paint stripper on there to help get it off.

Not a bad option to make the process a little easier... Looks like at this stage I'm going to be using some paint stripper with gradually finer grit sandpaper. Possibly with a buffing wheel at the later end of the task to give it a uniformed shine along the middle section all the way up to the top of the fork!

 

[hillsy]

Looks more like rust / pitting than paint. You won't be able to get it to look like the rest of the chrome fork if that's the case.

 

[VonYinzer]

Yep...

That's not paint unfortunately. There's no way you'll get it clean. At least not as clean as the still good hard chroming below it. Best bet is to find new forks or some long OEM style headlight hears to cover the bad spots.

 

[spazzle102]

Cheers for the suggestion! I was/am contemplating this method, but will the result give me a finish that matches the clear/shiny middle part of the fork tubes?

I don't think it would match perfectly, but it will get it pretty close

 

[findyourexit]

That's not paint unfortunately. There's no way you'll get it clean. At least not as clean as the still good hard chroming below it. Best bet is to find new forks or some long OEM style headlight hears to cover the bad spots.

Pretty much what I figured after spending some time with the forks and inspecting them closely... Since I'm pretty fresh to this, is it possible to buy fresh fork tubes to fit inside the lower fork housings, or is this something that is never separated/is cheaper just to source a new set of forks?

 

[SONICJK]

You can buy new tubes but the prices are crazy high.
You'll do better either cleaning them up real well and painting them (I've done it and if done right it looks good) or source a new set of forks

 

[findyourexit]

Whoa far out yeahhh you're not wrong about that pricing! $300+ in some circumstances for just the tubes!

I did some extra reading about the surface that I'm looking to dolly up, and apparently the design of the CB750 meant that moisture got in and stayed sealed in at the top part of the forks causing the chrome to become as it appears on my set of forks. Apparently it's pretty normal... Either way I'm swaying toward your recommendation of repainting that section myself - if down the track I'm desperate for a chrome finish up there I might look at rechroming or something like that.

Before I throw in the towel, I just wanted to ask one last question that may be a viable option - I'm building a cafe racer, so I'm happy to utilize a different bike's set of forks if they fit... Is it a simple matter of measuring the diameter of the fork tubes and buying similarly wide and lengthed forks?

 

[kicker]

Buying different forks with the same dimensions is fine, just make sure your axle (and spacers), caliper and front fender fit if you aren't buying a complete front end.
Getting something from the CB family will help although it's probably best to stay away from the smaller bikes as they may be sprung differently.

 

[findyourexit]

Buying different forks with the same dimensions is fine, just make sure your axle (and spacers), caliper and front fender fit if you aren't buying a complete front end.
Getting something from the CB family will help although it's probably best to stay away from the smaller bikes as they may be sprung differently.

Ahhhhh makes sense - thanks for the tips!

 

[VonYinzer]

Your best option is just buying a set of forks from the same bike...

 

[findyourexit]

Your best option is just buying a set of forks from the same bike...

Yeah definitely - however it seems a fair few of the ones up for grabs out there seem to have similar issues to the ones in my possession hehe!

 

[1chrisb]

Your best bet is to just keep checking every so often. I was lucky and managed to snag a set with almost new looking tubes for $25. Needed a rebuild, but I was happy to do that for nice looking tubes!

 

[canyoncarver]

Pretty much what I figured after spending some time with the forks and inspecting them closely... Since I'm pretty fresh to this, is it possible to buy fresh fork tubes to fit inside the lower fork housings, or is this something that is never separated/is cheaper just to source a new set of forks?

I'm dealing with the exact same issue. I called Franks forks and got a quote of 269$ for replacement tubes for my 550. Pricey but good chance I'm going to do it so I don't have to deal with different axles, wheels, etc...

 

[crazypj]

Basically, NO.
The center section is 'piston chrome'
The only way to get even finish is find fork tubes of the same diameter from a later or different model
They look like 500 or early 550 forks, late 550 tubes fit but you'll probably need the hydraulic lock stop off damper rod
I put CB 750F1 tubes and springs in my 550
BTW, EVERYONE
early forks like these comprise of
top nuts
springs
fork tubes
sliders
damper rod
top out spring
lock stop
You have upper and lower yokes holding them onto frame

 

[lloydie73]

I have a CB450 K4 with the same problem. With REAL hard and methodical work, I got a lot out, but the pitting remains. I intend on taking off 0.25mm over the affected area on a lathe, and failing that, re-plating the upper portion. I will let you know what happens....


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[crazypj]

Reducing diameter isn't a good idea, for one thing the clamps wouldn't fit properly
You would be way better off just getting new tubes with chrome from top to bottom.
There are plenty of bikes with 35mm fork tubes that would be much easier to modify